Carton and carton blank

ABSTRACT

A carton ( 1 ) comprising a plurality of panels for forming a base panel ( 12 ), first and second side walls ( 14, 24 ) and first and second top panels ( 16, 22 ) coupled to one another by first and second handle panels ( 18, 20 ) wherein the first and second handle panels are in substantial face contacting relationship such that the first and second top panels form a top wall of the carton and wherein a reinforcing panel ( 34   a,    34   b ) is provided in face contacting relationship with both the first and second top panels such that the reinforcing panel forms a bridge connecting between the first and second top panels whereby a portion of each of the first and second top panels is at least two-ply in structure.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a carton and a blank for forming acarton. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates toa carton and blank therefore, having an access means for accessingproducts contained therein and being adapted for returning products to apoint of sale or to a recycling point.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the field of packaging it is often required to provide consumers witha package comprising multiple primary product containers, suchmulti-packs are desirable for shipping and distribution and for displayof promotional information.

In the field of packaging it is often desirable to provide consumerswith a carton which can be used by a consumer to transport primaryproduct containers including a product from a point of sale, the cartonhaving a means for gaining access to the primary product containercontained therein. It is further desirable that the carton retainsufficient integrity to be used to return the empty primary productcontainers to a point of sale or to a recycling point for easytransportation of the primary product containers.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided acarton comprising a plurality of panels for forming a base panel, firstand second side walls and a first and second top panel coupled to oneanother by a first and second handle panel wherein the first and secondhandle panels are in face contacting relationship such that the firstand second top panels form a top wall of the carton and wherein areinforcing panel is provided in face contacting relationship with boththe first and second top panels whereby forming a bridge between thefirst and second top panels such that a portion of each of the first andsecond top panels is at least two-ply in structure.

Preferably the reinforcing panel is hingedly connected to the first toppanel and is secured to the second top panel.

Preferably the reinforcing panel is connected to the first top panelalong a first fold line, the first top panel being folded about thefirst fold line into face contacting relationship with an inside surfaceof the first top panel.

Preferably the first fold line extends along an end edge of the firsttop panel, the first fold line being disposed transversely with respectto a hinged connection between the first top panel and the first handlepanel.

Preferably the reinforcing panel include an extension portion disposedalong an end edge of the second top panel, the end edge of the secondtop panel extending transversely with respect to a hinged connectionbetween the second top panel and the second handle panel.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provideda carton comprising a plurality of panels for forming a base panel,first and second side walls and first and second top panels coupled toone another by first and second handle panels wherein the first andsecond handle panels are in substantial face contacting relationshipsuch that the first and second top panels form a top wall of the cartonand wherein a first reinforcing panel is hinged to the first top panel,the first reinforcing panel being folded into face contactingrelationship with the first top panel and wherein the first reinforcingpanel comprises an extension portion which is secured to the second toppanel whereby forming a bridge between the first and second top panels.

Preferably a second reinforcing panel is hinged to the second top panel,the second reinforcing panel being folded into face contactingrelationship with the second top panel and wherein the extension portionof the first reinforcing panel is in face contacting relationship witheither the second reinforcing panel or the second top panel.

Preferably, the top panel comprises a plurality of apertures each forreceiving a portion of a respective article and being struck from thetop panel wherein an access device comprising a weakened line ofseverance is provided for displacement or removal of a portion of thetop panel disposed between two adjacent apertures.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided acarton comprising a plurality of panels for forming a base panel, firstand second side walls and a top panel, a carrying handle being providedcoupled to the top panel wherein there comprises a plurality ofapertures each for receiving a portion of a respective article and beingstruck from the top panel wherein an access device comprising a weakenedline of severance is provided for displacement or removal of a portionof the top panel disposed between two adjacent apertures.

Preferably the weakened line of severance is formed at least in part inthe top panel.

Preferably the weakened line of severance extends between at least oneof the apertures and another or the other one of the apertures.

Preferably the weakened line of severance is formed solely in the toppanel.

Preferably the weakened line of severance is formed at least in part ineach of the side walls.

Preferably the carton further comprises the access device herein beforedescribed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provideda blank comprising panels for forming the carton herebefore described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be describedwith reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1. is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a cartonaccording to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2. is a perspective view from above of a first stage ofconstruction of a carton from the blank of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3. is a perspective view from above of a second stage ofconstruction of a carton from the blank of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4. is a perspective view from above of a third stage ofconstruction of a carton from the blank of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5. is a perspective view from above of a carton according to thefirst embodiment of the invention assembled about a group of articles;

FIG. 6. is a perspective view of an end of a carton according to thefirst embodiment of the invention assembled about a group of articles;

FIG. 7. is a perspective view from above of a carton according to thefirst embodiment of the invention assembled about a group of articleswherein a handle has been deployed for use;

FIG. 8. is a close up perspective view of a user operating an accessmeans in the carton of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9. is a perspective view of the access means of the carton of FIG.5 in a deployed condition;

FIG. 10. is a perspective view of a user removing an article from thecarton of FIG. 5;

FIG. 11. is a perspective view of the carton of FIG. 5 in which emptyarticles have been replaced in the carton;

FIG. 12. is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a cartonaccording to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13. is a perspective view from above of a carton according to thesecond embodiment of the present invention assembled about a group ofarticles;

FIG. 14. is a perspective view of the access means of the carton of FIG.13 in a deployed condition;

FIG. 15. is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a cartonaccording to a third embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 for forminga carton 1, which blank 10 is formed from foldable sheet material suchas paperboard or similar material. The blank comprises a series of mainpanels for forming a base panel, first and second side panels, top paneland first and second handle panels.

First base panel 12 is coupled to first beveled panel 12A by fold line42; beveled panel 12A is coupled to first side panel 14 by fold line42A. First side panel 14 is coupled to first top panel 16 along foldline 44. First top panel 16 is coupled to first handle panel 18 by foldline 46. First handle panel 18 is coupled to second handle panel 20along fold line 50. Second top panel 20 is coupled to second top panel22 by fold line 54. Second top panel 22 is coupled to second side wall24 by fold line 56. Second side panel 24 is coupled to second beveledpanel 26A by fold line 58A and second beveled panel 26A is coupled tosecond base panel 26 by fold line 58.

First handle panel 18 comprises fold line 48 which is interrupted by afirst aperture 94 a for forming a carrying handle a first handle flap 92a is hingedly connected to the first handle panel 18 along a fold line90 a wherein in use the fold line 90 a connecting the first handle flap92 a to the first handle panel 18 forms an engagement edge for liftingthe carton 1.

Second handle panel 20 comprises fold line 52 which is interrupted by asecond aperture 90 b for forming the carrying handle a second handleflap 92 b is hingedly connected to the second handle panel 20 along afold line 90 b wherein in use the fold line 90 b connecting the secondhandle flap 92 b to the second handle panel 20 forms an engagement edgefor lifting the carton 1.

Fold line 48 and fold line 52 are both parallel to and equidistant fromfold line 50 coupling the first handle panel 18 to the second handlepanel 20, such that in an a set up carton 1 fold line 48 and fold line52 are in registry with one another. Likewise, first aperture 94 a,first handle flap 92 a and fold line 90 a are arranged to be in registrywith second aperture 94 b, second handle flap 92 b and fold line 90 bwhen the first handle panel 18 is folded about the fold line 50 to be inface contacting relationship with second handle panel 20. It will beseen in subsequent embodiments to be described that the exact shape andnature of the handle structure is adaptable, though preferably similarhandle structures are provided in each of the first and second handlepanels 18 and 20 such that when these panels are brought into registry acomposite handle structure is formed. In other embodiments of theinvention, the handle structure comprises only a pair of apertures; inyet further embodiments of the invention, the handle structure comprisesother means for facilitating a user's grasp of the carton 1.

First top panel 16 and second top panel 22 each comprise three articlereceiving apertures H1, H2 and H3. Article receiving apertures H1, H2,H3 are each adapted to receive an upper portion of an article B, articlereceiving apertures H1, H2, H3 are substantially “egg-shaped” althoughother shapes are envisaged including but not limited to elliptical,circular, square and rectangular. A weakened line 84 optionally extendsbetween each article receiving aperture H1, H2 and H3 and the respectivefold line 46, 54 coupling each top panel 16, 22 to the respective one ofthe first and second handle panels 18, 20.

An arcuate weakened line of severance 82 is optionally provided in eachof the top panels 16, 22 between the article receiving apertures H1 andH2 similarly there is an arcuate weakened line 82 in each of the toppanels 16, 22 between the article receiving apertures H2 and H3. Each ofthe arcuate weakened lines of severance 82 comprises three cut lines.Optionally, there may also be linear cut lines 45, 57 disposed betweenthe article receiving apertures H1 and H2 and between the articlereceiving apertures H2 and H3 which cut lines are disposed in registrywith the fold lines 44, 56 respectively. The arcuate weakened lines ofseverance 82 form an access device for gaining access to an article Bwithin the carton 1. It is envisaged, as described below that the accessdevice can take various formats compared to that aforedescribed, withoutdeparting from the invention.

Apertures 72 a, 72 b, 76 are provided for receiving a portion of thebase of an article B. A central aperture 76 is struck in part from eachof first and second beveled panels 12A and 26A and from the respectiveone of the first and second side wall 14, 24. Two further apertures 72a, 72 b are struck in part from first base panel 12, from first beveledpanel 12A and first side panel 14. Similarly, two further apertures 72a, 72 b are struck in part from second base panel 26, from secondbeveled panel 26A and second side panel 14. Apertures 72 a and 72 bcomprise heel engaging tabs 74 a, 74 b respective for engaging with theheel of an article B whereby securing the base of the article B. Theseheel apertures 72 a, 72 b and heel engaging tabs 74 a, 74 b facilitatethe secure containment of articles B within the carton 1. In embodimentswhere a greater or a fewer number of articles B are contained, fewer orgreater heel engaging tabs are provided. The specific structure of theheel engaging tabs 74 a, 74 b is also adaptable and in some embodiments,no heel engaging tabs 74 a, 74 b and/or apertures 72 a, 72 b areprovided.

Base panel 12 comprises recesses or rebates 78 a, 78 b struck fromopposing side edges, recesses 78 a, 78 b form a first part of a firstpanel locking mechanism for securing first base panel 12 to second basepanel 26. Recesses 78 a, 78 b comprise a waist such that a tab 80 a, 80b, forming the second part of the first panel locking mechanism andstruck from base panel 26, can be locked in position.

The base panels 12, 26 additionally may optionally comprise a secondpanel locking mechanism having a first part 70 a forming a femalelocking member struck from base panel 12 for receiving a second part 70b for forming a male locking member. The second panel locking mechanismmay be adapted such that the base panels 12, 26 of a setup carton 1 mayreceive a portion of a tertiary packaging container such as the“star-post” of a crate. In such an embodiment the second panel lockingmechanism is arranged such that it is disposed to be in registry with avoid between articles B in a group of articles B to be packaged by thecarton 1. It is envisaged that a variety of mechanical lockingmechanisms could be used to secure the base panels 12, 26 together. Inalternative embodiments of the present invention the composite lockedbottom wall may be replaced by a single bottom wall that is securabledirectly to one of said first or second side walls 14, 24.

Reinforcing structures R are provided hinged to opposing side edges ofthe first and second sidewalls 14, 18 and the first and second toppanels 16, 22. Each reinforcing structure R comprises a firstreinforcing panel 30 a, 30 b, 36 a, 36 b.

First reinforcing panels 30 a, 30 b are hinged to opposing side edges offirst side wall 14 along fold line 60 a, 60 b respectively whereas firstreinforcing panels 36 a, 36 b are hinged to opposing side edges ofsecond side wall 24 along fold line 66 a, 66 b respectively.

A second reinforcing panel 32 a, 32 b is provided hinged to opposingside edges of top panel 16 along fold line 62 a, 62 b respectively.Second reinforcing panel 32 a is hinged to first reinforcing panel 30 aand second reinforcing panel 32 b is hinged to first reinforcing panel30 b.

A second reinforcing panel 34 a, 34 b is provided hinged to opposingside edges of top panel 22 along fold line 64 a, 64 b respectively.Second reinforcing panel 34 a is hinged to first reinforcing panel 36 aand second reinforcing panel 34 b is hinged to first reinforcing panel36 b.

Second reinforcing panels 32 a, 32 b comprise recesses or cut-outsshaped to be complementary to article receiving apertures H1 and H3 whenfolded about fold line 62 a, 62 b into face contacting relationship withfirst top panel 16.

Second reinforcing panels 34 a, 34 b are each provided with an extensionportion 35 a, 35 b respectively. These extension portions 35 a, 35 b aredisposed adjacent the second handle panel 20 but are free fromconnection, or alternatively are severably connected, to second handlepanel 20. Edges 88 a, 88 b of extension portions 35 a, 35 b aresimilarly shaped to complement the article receiving apertures H1 and H3when folded into face contacting relationship with second reinforcingpanels 32 a, 32 b. Likewise, edges 86 a, 86 b of reinforcing panels 32a, 32 b are shaped similarly to the adjacent article receiving aperturesH1 and H3 formed in first top panel 16.

Turning to the construction of the carton 1 as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3and 4 it is envisaged that the carton 1 can be formed by a series ofsequential folding operations in a straight line machine so that thecarton 1 is not required to be rotated or inverted to complete itsconstruction. The folding process is not limited to that described belowand may be altered according to particular manufacturing requirements.

Glue (or other securing means) is applied to the first reinforcingpanels 30 a, 30 b, 36 a, 36 b, to the second reinforcing panels 32 a, 32b and to the second reinforcing panels 34 a, 34 b but not the extensionportions 35 a, 35 b. The reinforcing panels 30 a, 30 b, 36 a, 36 b, 32a, 32 b, 34 a, 34 b are folded into face contacting relationship withtheir respective side walls 14, 24 and top panel 16, 22 and secured inposition as shown in FIG. 2. Glue or other adhesive is applied to one ofthe first or second handle panels 18, 20; Glue G is also applied to thesecond reinforcing panel 32 a, 32 b as illustrated in FIG. 1. The secondhandle panel 20 is folded about fold line 50 into face-contactingrelationship with the first handle panel 18; the first handle panel 18is secured to the second handle panel 20 and the extension portion 35 a,35 b is secured to the second reinforcing panel 32 a, 32 b as shown inFIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

The blank 10 is then wrapped around a group of articles B, upper portionof the articles B being received in a respective article receivingaperture H1, H2, H3. First and second base panels 12, 26 are foldedabout the base of the group of articles B and the male parts 70 b, 80 aand 80 b of the first and second panel locking mechanisms are punchedthrough the first base panel 12 and second base panel 26 to engage therespective female parts 70 a, 78 a, 78 b of the first and second panellocking mechanisms whereby locking the first base panel 12 in partialoverlapping relationship with the second base panel 26.

The first and second handle panels 18, 20 can be folded about fold lines48 and 52 respectively such that an upper edge of the handle panels 18,20 engages with a protruding portion of the articles B whereby retainingthe handle panels 18, 20 in a stowed position below the upper surface ofthe articles B as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The carrying handle can bedeployed to a position of use by unfolding the handle panels 18, 20 asshown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 illustrates a user F initiating tearing or breaking of theweakened line of severance 82 whereby operating the access device togain access to the articles B. The user F severs each of the portions 23of the top panel 22 between the articles B such that the central articleB can be removed from the carton 1 as shown in FIG. 10. Access can thenbe gained to the other two articles B via the opening created as aconsequence of deploying the access device. In other embodiments wheremore or less than six articles B contained in two rows of three are heldwithin the carton 1 and wherein the access device has alternativeformats, deploying the access device may provide access to more than onearticle B at a time and/or the endmost articles B.

Use of the access means reduces the amount of material in the top panels16, 22 connecting the first and second side walls 14, 24 to the handlepanels 18, 20. However, despite this the carton 1 retains sufficientstructural integrity after the access device has been deployed, suchthat the carton 1 is reusable for collating and transporting the emptyarticles B. Reinforcing structures R strengthen the carton such that thecarton 1 can be carried by the carrying handle when the access devicehas been deployed. Extension portions 35 a, 35 b ensure that there is atleast a two ply structure at the point where the handle panels 18, 20are hinged to the first and second top panels 16, 22. It can be seen inFIGS. 9, 10 and 11 that the portions 23 of the top panel 22 between thearticles B have been divided into two components one hinged to thesecond handle panel 20 and another hinged to the second sidewall 24 eachthe components being folded internally of the carton 1 when the articlesB are replaced therein.

An alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated withreference to FIG. 12 in which like numerals have, where possible, beenused for like parts, with the addition of the prefix “1”. To avoidduplicating description of parts similar to both the first and secondembodiments only the differences from the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 11 will be described in any greater detail.

The embodiment of FIG. 12 comprises four alternative access devices 196provided in the first and second side walls 114, 124 and disposedbetween adjacent article receiving apertures H1/H2, H2/H3. Each accessdevice 196 comprises a pair of weakened lines of severance 197, 199coupled by a further weakened line of severance 198. The weakened linesof severance 197, 198, 199 are collectively arcuate in shape andsubstantially “U-shaped”. Each terminus of each of the weakened lines197, 198, 199 is disposed in the vicinity of the point where an articlereceiving aperture H1, H2, H3 is closest to a respective one of thefirst or second sidewalls 114, 124. Each weakened line of severance 197,198, 199 comprises a plurality of cut-lines spaced in close proximity toanother. A fold line 195 may be provided each with weakened lines 197,198, 199 to create a tab to aid a user F to initiate tearing of theaccess device 196. The access device 196 when deployed separates thoseportions of the top panel 122 between the article receiving apertures H1and H2 and H2 and H3 from the side wall 124 said portions being hingedto the second handle panel 120 as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. Optionallysaid portions may be severably connected to the second handle panel 120by a further weakened line of severance.

Yet a further alternative embodiment of the present invention isillustrated with reference to FIG. 15, in which like numerals have,where possible, been used for like parts, with the addition of theprefix “3”. To avoid duplicated description of features similar in thethird embodiment to features of the first and second illustratedembodiments, only the differences from the embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 14 will be described in any greater detail.

In FIG. 15 it can be seen that the four access means are provided eachbeing disposed between adjacent article receiving apertures H1/H2, H2/H3and each access means comprising a single arcuate weakened line ofseverance 396 formed from a series of slits and nicks. The terminus ofeach end of the access means is proximate a nick 397 or extensivelyweakened portion that intercepts the adjacent fold line 344, 356,preferably in the region of cut lines 345, 357 provided along said foldlines 344, 356. In this way, the access means can be deployed by a userto rip out a portion of the first and/or second side panel 314, 324 andan integral adjacent portion of the associated top panel 316, 322 usingthe nick or extensively weakened portion 397 to assist in ripping acrossthe adjacent fold line 344, 356. As in the previous embodiments, afterripping out each of the access means access to the articles B containedwithin the carton is gained and thereafter, the carton retainssufficient structural integrity (at least in part due to the structuralstrength provided by the reinforcing means R and assisted by the sizeand shape of the access means 396) such that the carton is reusable forcollating the articles B for return to a recycling point for example.

In the third embodiment described, the punch lock of the complementarylocking mechanism in bottom panel 312, 326 has an alternative shape tothat shown in the first and second embodiments. It will be understood asmentioned above that in other embodiments of the invention, a variety ofcomplementary bottom locking or securing means as is known in the art isused.

It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scopeof the present invention, for example, the size and shape of the panelsand apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing sizeor shape. In other embodiments of the invention it is envisaged thatmore or less than six articles will be the intended contents for thecarton and as such the blank will be sized and the panels of the blanksized and shaped to accommodate such articles. It is also envisaged thatthe article receiving apertures may each have a different shape wherethe invention is applied to cartons for containing a mixture ofarticles; in such and indeed other embodiments the access meansneighbouring those article receiving apertures may be alternativelyshaped and sized to effect the removal of a portion of the carton ofsufficient size to enable articles B to be withdrawn and replaced andyet at the same time not compromise the structural integrity of thecarton as a whole. It is further envisaged that the reinforcing means Rmay be altered from that herein described and yet the performance andfunction of such a reinforcing means R will remain unaltered from thattaught herein. Preferably, an extension portion of the reinforcing meansis positioned, shaped and sized or otherwise structured, arranged andconfigured, such that it can provide a bonded link between one side ofthe carton and the other. In this way, when pressure is applied in adownward manner to the first and/or second top panels 16, 22, 116, 122,316, 322 or alternatively in a substantially perpendicular manner tofirst and/or second side walls 14, 24, 114, 124, 314, 324, to break openthe access means 96, 196, and 396, the carton has sufficient structuralrigidity that this application of force does not cause failure of thecarton such that the carton can be reused. In some arrangements theextension panels 35 a/ 35 b, 135 a/ 135 b, 335 a/ 335 b provide a braceor strengthening ply to the first and/or second top panels 16, 22, 116,122, 316, 322, through which the articles B are intended to bewithdrawn. In alternative embodiments the carton may be provided withoutbeveled panels 12A, 26A.

It will be recognised that as used herein, directional references suchas “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “back”, “end”, “side”, “inner”, “outer”,“upper” and “lower” do not limit the respective panels to suchorientation, but merely serve to distinguish these panels from oneanother. For example it is preferable that the reinforcing means R isdisposed to reinforce the panels in which the access means is at leastin part disposed and/or through which the articles B are accessed. Anyreference to hinged connection should not be construed as necessarilyreferring to a single fold line only; indeed it is envisaged that hingedconnection can be formed from one or more of the following, a shortslit, a frangible line or a fold line without departing from the scopeof the invention. Any reference to weakened line or extensively weakenedline can be formed from one or more of the following, a short slit,nick, half-depth cut, full depth cut, angled perforations and/or anycombination of the aforementioned features without departing from thescope of the invention.

1. A carton comprising a plurality of panels for forming a base panel,first and second side walls and first and second top panels coupled toone another by first and second handle panels wherein the first andsecond handle panels are in substantial face contacting relationshipsuch that the first and second top panels form a top wall of the cartonand wherein a reinforcing panel is provided in face contactingrelationship with both the first and second top panels such that thereinforcing panel forms a bridge connecting between the first and secondtop panels whereby a portion of each of the first and second top panelsis at least two-ply in structure.
 2. A carton according to claim 1,wherein the reinforcing panel is hingedly connected to the first toppanel and is secured to the second top panel.
 3. A carton according toclaim 2, wherein the reinforcing panel is connected to the first toppanel along a first fold line, the reinforcing panel being folded aboutthe first fold line into face contacting relationship with an insidesurface of the first top panel.
 4. A carton according to claim 3,wherein the first fold line extends along an end edge of the first toppanel, the first fold line being disposed transversely with respect to ahinged connection between the first top panel and the first handlepanel.
 5. A carton according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcing panelinclude an extension portion disposed along an end edge of the secondtop panel, the end edge of the second top panel extending transverselywith respect to a hinged connection between the second top panel and thesecond handle panel.
 6. A carton comprising a plurality of panels forforming a base panel, first and second side walls and first and secondtop panels coupled to one another by first and second handle panelswherein the first and second handle panels are in substantial facecontacting relationship such that the first and second top panels form atop wall of the carton and wherein a first reinforcing panel is hingedto the first top panel, the first reinforcing panel being folded intoface contacting relationship with the first top panel and wherein thefirst reinforcing panel comprises an extension portion which is securedto the second top panel whereby forming a bridge between the first andsecond top panels.
 7. A carton according to claim 6, wherein a secondreinforcing panel is hinged to the second top panel, the secondreinforcing panel being folded into face contacting relationship withthe second top panel and wherein the extension portion of the firstreinforcing panel is in face contacting relationship with either thesecond reinforcing panel or the second top panel.
 8. A carton comprisinga plurality of panels for forming a base panel, first and second sidewalls, a top panel, and a carrying handle, wherein the carrying handleis coupled to the top panel wherein the top panel comprises an accessdevice and a plurality of apertures each for receiving a portion of arespective article, the apertures being struck from the top panel, theaccess device comprising a weakened line of severance for displacementor removal of a portion of the top panel disposed between two adjacentapertures.
 9. A carton according to claim 8, wherein the weakened lineof severance is formed at least in part in the top panel.
 10. A cartonaccording to claim 8, wherein the weakened line of severance extendsbetween at least one of the apertures and an adjacent one of theapertures.
 11. A carton according to claim 8, wherein the weakened lineof severance is formed solely in the top panel.
 12. A carton accordingto claim 8, wherein the weakened line of severance is formed at least inpart in each of the side walls.
 13. A carton according to claim 1further comprising an access device, each of the first and second toppanels includes apertures each for receiving a portion of an article,the access device comprising a weakened line of severance fordisplacement or removal of a portion of at least one of the first andsecond top panels disposed between two adjacent ones of the apertures ofthe at least one of the top panels.
 14. (canceled)